Suspect arrested in connection with brutal gangland shooting

Detectives involved in a long-running investigation into a Crumlin/Drimnagh feud murder have arrested a key suspect in the case.

The Dubliner, who is aged in his 30s, is part of the 'Fat' Freddie Thompson mob and was grilled by gardai over a number of days about his suspected role as a "scout" in the shocking murder of Gerard Eglington (27), who was shot dead in Portarlington, Co Laois, in September, 2012.

Eglington was killed because he was heavily-involved in Ireland's deadliest drugs feud - the bitter gang war between Thompson's gang and a crew who were allied to jailed gangland killer Brian Rattigan.

The suspect had fled to France after the murder and was picked up by gardai on his return.

Officers arrested the suspect after fingerprint evidence showed up on a car that was seized after the brutal gangland slaying. The car had been seen staking out the house before the murder happened.

"The mob who carried out this murder had used individuals to travel in cars to scout out the area before Eglington was shot dead," a source said last night.

"That is what this man is suspected of doing, and while there were a number of arrests in the aftermath of the murder, there is expected to be more in the coming months," the source added.

The arrested man, who has previous convictions, was released without charge and a file is being prepared for the DPP.

Eglington was at home with his 11-year-old stepdaughter and three-year-old son when the attack occurred at about 8.30am on September 24, 2012, at Kilnacourt Woods, Portarlington.

The slain gangster was previously involved in a savage assault on the brother of exiled gangster 'Fat' Freddie Thompson at the Karma Stone pub in the city centre on March 13, 2011.